Anti-Accumulator (Anti-Parlay) — a betting type opposite to a traditional accumulator. In an anti-accumulator bet, the wager wins if at least one selection loses, whereas in a regular accumulator all selections must win. This market is rarely offered but can sometimes be found in advanced sportsbook lines.
Most bettors prefer traditional bet types such as singles, accumulators (express bets), and systems. However, some bookmakers expand their offerings by introducing more complex bet types. Let’s take a closer look at what an anti-express bet means in sports betting and whether it makes sense to use this kind of combined wager.
How to place an Anti-Accumulator bet?
The term “Anti-Accumulator” clearly suggests that this is the opposite of an accumulator (express) bet. The main principle of an accumulator is that it only wins if all selections in the bet slip are successful (refunds are possible). Therefore, an anti-express wins if at least one of the bettor’s selections loses.
Let’s take an example with three outcomes and the following odds:
- A – 2.00;
- B – 1.50;
- C – 1.25.
We add them to the bet slip and choose the bet type — Anti-Accumulator. If all predictions are correct, the bettor loses. The bet wins only if one, two, or all three outcomes fail.
How the odds are calculated
Naturally, beginners wonder how the odds for such a complex bet are formed. The answer is simple: the Anti-Accumulator coefficient is the inverse probability of the corresponding express.
Let’s illustrate this using the above odds.
For the accumulator, the total odds would be:
2 × 1.5 × 1.25 = 3.75
The probability of this event is:
1 / 3.75 × 100% = 27%.
The inverse probability is 100% – 27% = 73%. Thus, the Anti-Accumulator odds are:
100 / 73 = 1.37.
With bookmaker margin included, the player would be offered odds around 1.30.
Rules for calculating winnings
There can be several variations in settlement, but the basic rules are:
- If at least one selection loses and the others win, the payout is made according to the odds specified in the ticket.
- If one or more outcomes are refunded but the overall bet wins, the odds are recalculated.
Let’s look at the second case using our example. Suppose selection “B” loses, making the overall bet a win. Meanwhile, selection “C” is refunded. In a standard express, the coefficient would drop to 2 × 1.5 = 3.
Probability = 1 / 3 × 100 = 33%. The Anti-Accumulator odds = 1 / 77 = 1.49.
As we can see, the final multiplier increased from 1.37 to 1.49.
Anti-Accumulator betting strategy
Creating long-term strategies based on this type of bet is impractical. The main principle of profitable long-term play is to avoid artificially inflated margins.
Here, the bookmaker’s commission applies on three levels:
- for each individual outcome;
- compounded within the accumulator;
- and again when the probability is inverted.
Because of this, Anti-Accumulator betting is not popular and is considered a very exotic type of wager.
Which bookmakers offer Anti-Accumulator bets?
Due to its low demand, most online bookmakers see no reason to implement functionality for this kind of multi-bet.
These bookmakers are known for their diverse betting options, offering unique formats such as Lucky, Patent, Chain, Trixie, Yankee, and other non-standard combinations.
However, it’s important to understand that such complex formats are often marketing tools designed to attract inexperienced players. The key principle of all unusual multi-bets is the artificial increase of bookmaker margin.
Pros and cons of Anti-Accumulator bets
This type of multi-bet is more psychological than practical. It’s mainly aimed at bettors who frequently lose on accumulators and are looking for an alternative. After losing several standard accumulator bets, such players might decide to stake money on the opposite concept.
Yes, one or more of these bets might win — the probability is relatively high. But the odds will reflect this, meaning they will be quite low.
Furthermore, an additional margin is always built into the pricing, making long-term play unprofitable. However, if you’re willing to risk large sums for small but steady returns, this type of betting could still be an interesting option.
